Forest Health

In this issue: Learn about the practice called "treewashing." Read about how AI is helping scientists track the growth of ghost forests and about the science behind DC's iconic cherry blossoms. Our "Native Trees of Maryland" looks at the American Basswood, and "Invasives in Your Woodlands" looks at the Bee-bee Tree. And don't forget the events calendar and the Brain Tickler challenge.

The bee-bee tree came to the United States when seeds were sent from Asia for horticultural collections and trial plantings. From these early arboretum and research sites, scattered landscape use and intentional planting by beekeepers led to escapes into nearby forests in states such as Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland.

In the News and Notes roundup for this issue: Smithsonian researchers are building a 22-acre forest from scratch. The Maryland Forest Service has launched a contest to find the largest white oak on Maryland public lands. Scientists are developing a new type of sunscreen based on wood-derived products. And a National Forest Foundation article documents the untold story of Black American forestry.

While the impacts of ghost forests are clearly visible on the ground, artificial intelligence (AI) is giving scientists a bird's-eye view of these tree graveyards. AI provides maps and insights to synthesize the causes.

Tilia americana, known as American basswood, basswood, or linden, is a versatile tree, making it ideal for many landscape applications. Growing 60-80’ tall and 30-50’ wide, basswood is often planted as a specimen or shade tree in parks and residential areas. It’s also naturally occurring in Maryland’s mountain and Piedmont ecoregions.

While cherry blossoms are seen as a natural symbol of spring in the wider Washington, D.C. area, their consistent beauty is actually the result of careful scientific management and human intervention.

A story in one of my Google Alerts sent me down a rabbit hole, resulting in learning about a new term I hadn't heard before: "treewashing."

Your woodlands are important. They are a valuable resource for your family’s enjoyment and their future, and for the environment. The University of Maryland Extension now participates in the “Call Before You Cut” program. The program provides Maryland woodland owners with free information to ensure that they harvest their timber in the most efficient, cost-effective, and ecologically-sound manner possible.

American holly, Ilex opaca, is a real show stopper of a tree especially during the winter holidays. Among other benefits, it is extremely valuable to wildlife, particularly, birds and migratory birds overwintering in the region.

In this issue: Read about the benefits of using phenology in your woodlands, and how you can join us for our online course, "The Woods in Your Backyard." Learn about a new group seeking to expand the knowledge and practice of prescribed fire in Maryland. Our "Native Trees of Maryland" looks at the Common Hackberry, and "Invasives in Your Woodlands" looks at the Japanese Angelica Tree. And don't forget the events calendar and the Brain Tickler challenge.